Special Weather Statement, NWS Atlanta, GA

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
242 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

...Afternoon Area Forecast Discussion...

.KEY MESSAGES...

  - An unsettled weather pattern will bring widespread showers and
    thunderstorms through the holiday weekend and into next week.

  - Locally heavy rainfall can be expected each day, supporting isolated
    flash flooding potential.

  - A few strong to severe thunderstorms remain possible, capable
    of producing localized damaging wind gusts.

&&

.SHORT TERM...
(This afternoon through Sunday)
Issued at 239 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

The Southeast remains situated within a regime of deep southwesterly
flow at the mid-levels, supporting persistent overrunning of Gulf
moisture atop surface high pressure. We're in for a rather messy
holiday weekend as a result, with chances for diurnally-enhanced
showers and thunderstorms each day -- highest coverage in the
afternoon, with a lull (but chances still non-zero) overnight. Our
lingering CAD wedge will continue to slowly erode into the
afternoon, resulting in increased cloud cover and higher chances for
showers versus thunderstorms across portions of northeast Georgia.

Dewpoints in the upper 60s to mid-70s are rather anomalous for this
time of year (observed Td of 69F on this morning's 12Z sounding is
right at our daily maximum climatologically), and with tall, skinny
CAPE profiles observed on ACARS soundings, any storms that form will
be efficient rainfall producers. A Marginal (level 1 out of 5) Risk
for Excessive Rainfall has been analyzed across a majority of the
forecast area both today and Sunday, and localized/nuisance flash
flooding concerns will continue. The strongest upward pulses will
likely have precip-loaded downdrafts capable of producing
isolated damaging wind gusts, but the summerlike environment with
relatively unimpressive kinematics should preclude severe concerns
from becoming widespread or numerous. Be extra cautious if
outdoor activities are planned through this weekend, and ensure
proper precautions are being taken if warnings are issued.

HiRes guidance suggests some quasi-organization of thunderstorms on
Sunday afternoon is possible (likely due to the combination of
residual outflows from today's activity and passing disturbances at
the mid-levels), but the pattern remains largely unchanged.

Highs today and tomorrow will be in the upper 70s to 80s for most,
with the exception being our typical wedge areas (north and east of
the Atlanta Metro), which may struggle to breach the lower 70s
today.

&&

.LONG TERM...
(Monday morning through next Friday)
Issued at 239 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

Minimal changes made to the forecast for the extended range. See
previous discussion below.

Yet again, the summer-like patter continues through the full long
term outlook. Near perpetual SW to E flow will continue to transport
moisture into the area. If anything conditions become more conducive
to afternoon thunderstorms as we enter mid next week as the upper
level flow pattern sees an expressive undulation into a blocking
pattern. The upstream trough of the block will be centered (and
likely stalled) over the south-central CONUS, a decidedly odd place
for this. Resultant surface pressure over The Gulf will be in around
the 10th percentile climatologically. This broad low pressure will
be conducive to thunderstorm development in the moist environment.
Temperatures continue in the 80s to near 90s with moderation from
thunderstorms each day. The main concern through the long term will
be the potential for diurnally driven strong to severe storms. No
widespread threat is expected at this time, however enhancement may
be derived from stronger surface level E flow which could build a
weak wedge. The most likely time for wedge development will be as
the downstream trough of the blocking pattern descends the east coast
next week. The exact timing and strength of any wedge that may
develop is uncertain, so just something to watch for in the future.

Total QPF will be substantial and welcomed through the period. Mean
total precip sits over 5 inches of some areas of northeast GA. This
however has a caveat. Due to the spotty coverage of convection, some
area are likely to see significantly more/less than this through the
period. With high rainfall rates, attention will be needed on the
flash flood threat, especially as soils begin to saturate.

&&

.AVIATION...
(18Z TAFS)
Issued at 135 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

Chcs for passing SHRA and TSRA will continue thru much of the TAF
pd. Best window for direct terminal impacts in TSRA from 18-01Z,
likely accompanied by BKN to OVC MVFR cigs and reduced vsbys.
Cannot rule out iso -SHRA overnight, but coverage will be
patchy/conf is low. Initial improvements to SCT MVFR to low VFR
will deteriorate back to BKN to OVC IFR by 03-04Z (and likely LIFR
for several hours around daybreak). MVFR vsbys in BR exp. Winds
will remain generally out of the SSE/SE, but may briefly swing SSW
as wedge erodes this aftn. Speeds will remain 7kts or less.

//ATL Confidence...18Z Update...
Low-medium confidence timing and coverage of SHRA/TSRA.
High confidence all other elements.

96

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Athens          63  81  64  83 /  50  50  70  90
Atlanta         65  82  66  83 /  40  80  70  90
Blairsville     60  77  60  78 /  40  80  60  90
Cartersville    64  83  64  84 /  50  80  70  90
Columbus        66  86  66  87 /  30  60  60  90
Gainesville     64  79  65  81 /  50  70  70  90
Macon           65  85  65  86 /  30  60  50  90
Rome            63  82  63  83 /  60  70  60  90
Peachtree City  64  83  65  84 /  40  70  60  90
Vidalia         68  87  68  88 /  50  60  50  80

&&

.FFC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
None.
&&

SHORT TERM...96
LONG TERM....SM
AVIATION...96

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
243 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

GAZ001>009-011>016-019>025-027-030>039-041>062-066>076-078>086-
089>098-102>113-241845-
Baldwin-Banks-Barrow-Bartow-Bibb-Bleckley-Butts-Carroll-Catoosa-
Chattahoochee-Chattooga-Cherokee-Clarke-Clayton-Cobb-Coweta-
Crawford-Crisp-Dade-Dawson-DeKalb-Dodge-Dooly-Douglas-Emanuel-
Fannin-Fayette-Floyd-Forsyth-Gilmer-Glascock-Gordon-Greene-
Gwinnett-Hall-Hancock-Haralson-Harris-Heard-Henry-Houston-Jackson-
Jasper-Jefferson-Johnson-Jones-Lamar-Laurens-Lumpkin-Macon-
Madison-Marion-Meriwether-Monroe-Montgomery-Morgan-Murray-
Muscogee-Newton-North Fulton-Oconee-Oglethorpe-Paulding-Peach-
Pickens-Pike-Polk-Pulaski-Putnam-Rockdale-Schley-South Fulton-
Spalding-Stewart-Sumter-Talbot-Taliaferro-Taylor-Telfair-Toombs-
Towns-Treutlen-Troup-Twiggs-Union-Upson-Walker-Walton-Warren-
Washington-Webster-Wheeler-White-Whitfield-Wilcox-Wilkes-
Wilkinson-
243 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for north and central Georgia.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight...

Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected
through tonight. A few storms could become strong to severe,
especially during the afternoon and evening hours. The primary
risk will be strong to locally damaging wind gusts and frequent
lightning. Additionally, locally heavy rainfall can be expected,
which could lead to isolated flash flooding concerns.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday...

Scattered to numerous thunderstorms are expected Sunday through
Friday, especially during the afternoon and evening hours, which
will bring the risk for locally heavy rainfall and frequent
lightning. A few storms could become severe.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation will not be needed through tonight.

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
133 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

GAZ062-075-076-231800-
Jefferson GA-Glascock GA-Warren GA-
133 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern Warren,
east central Glascock and northeastern Jefferson Counties through 200
PM EDT...

At 133 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was over Wrens, or 12 miles east
of Gibson, moving northeast at 10 mph.

HAZARD...40 to 50 mph wind, pea sized hail and frequent cloud to
         ground lightning.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
         light, unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Wrens, Stapleton, Matthews, and Stellaville.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

People outdoors should seek shelter immediately. If you can hear
thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

&&

LAT...LON 3319 8225 3312 8236 3324 8249 3333 8243
      3333 8242 3331 8240 3331 8233 3329 8230
      3327 8229 3327 8226 3323 8223
TIME...MOT...LOC 1733Z 218DEG 10KT 3322 8238

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
142 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

GAZ053-067-231815-
Coweta GA-Meriwether GA-
142 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of north central
Meriwether and southeastern Coweta Counties through 215 PM EDT...

At 142 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was over Rocky Mount, or 11
miles north of Greenville, moving northeast at 10 mph.

HAZARD...40 to 50 mph wind, pea sized hail and frequent cloud to
         ground lightning.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
         light, unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Luthersville, Haralson, Rocky Mount, Wooster, and Alvaton.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

People outdoors should seek shelter immediately. If you can hear
thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

&&

LAT...LON 3311 8467 3318 8476 3331 8467 3321 8452
TIME...MOT...LOC 1742Z 223DEG 7KT 3319 8466

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
214 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

GAZ093>095-105-231845-
Macon GA-Peach GA-Dooly GA-Houston GA-
214 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northeastern Macon,
north central Dooly, south central Peach and southwestern Houston
Counties through 245 PM EDT...

At 214 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was near Henderson, or 12 miles
east of Oglethorpe, moving northeast at 15 mph.

HAZARD...40 to 50 mph wind, pea sized hail and frequent cloud to
         ground lightning.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
         light, unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Perry, Unadilla, Saint Louis, Moss Oak, Meadowdale, Grovania, Elko,
Grove Park, Henderson, and Clinchfield.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

People outdoors should seek shelter immediately. If you can hear
thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

&&

LAT...LON 3219 8378 3227 8398 3254 8388 3243 8359
TIME...MOT...LOC 1814Z 204DEG 14KT 3230 8385

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
231 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

GAZ107>109-231900-
Wilcox GA-Dodge GA-Pulaski GA-
231 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southwestern Dodge,
southeastern Pulaski and Wilcox Counties through 300 PM EDT...

At 231 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was over Abbeville, moving north
at 30 mph.

HAZARD...40 to 50 mph wind, pea sized hail and frequent cloud to
         ground lightning.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
         light, unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Eastman, Abbeville, Rochelle, Rhine, Pitts, Union, Browning, Five
Points, Cedar Creek, Antioch Church, Godwinsville, and Ocmulgee
Banks.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

People outdoors should seek shelter immediately. If you can hear
thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

&&

LAT...LON 3187 8327 3189 8357 3223 8343 3220 8305
TIME...MOT...LOC 1831Z 201DEG 24KT 3198 8334

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
240 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

GAZ039-231915-
Wilkes GA-
240 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of eastern Wilkes
County through 315 PM EDT...

At 240 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was near Aonia, or 9 miles east
of Washington, moving north at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Winds 40 to 50 mph, pea sized hail, frequent lightning and
         heavy rain.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
         light, unsecured objects. Heavy rain may cause temporary
         street flooding especially in poor drainage areas.

Locations impacted include...
Aonia, Metasville, Holliday Park, and Floral Hill.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

People outdoors should seek shelter immediately. If you can hear
thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Motorists
should slow down and be prepared for possible loss of control due to
hydroplaning.

&&

LAT...LON 3366 8251 3365 8252 3365 8254 3364 8254
      3364 8257 3365 8258 3363 8258 3364 8259
      3363 8261 3367 8271 3392 8263 3386 8261
      3387 8258 3387 8257 3383 8260 3364 8248
TIME...MOT...LOC 1840Z 201DEG 24KT 3371 8258

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
308 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

GAZ110-231945-
Telfair GA-
308 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of southeastern
Telfair County through 345 PM EDT...

At 307 PM EDT, a line of strong thunderstorms was along a line
extending from China Hill to Horse Creek Wma to Denton, and moving
northeast at 20 mph.

HAZARD...40 to 50 mph wind, pea sized hail and frequent cloud to
         ground lightning.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
         light, unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Lumber City, Jacksonville, Horse Creek Wma, and Workmore.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

People outdoors should seek shelter immediately. If you can hear
thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

&&

LAT...LON 3179 8304 3181 8309 3198 8303 3200 8273
      3192 8265 3192 8268 3190 8269 3190 8270
      3186 8276 3186 8278 3184 8279 3182 8284
      3178 8287 3179 8297 3178 8299 3178 8303
TIME...MOT...LOC 1907Z 217DEG 18KT 3184 8309 3180 8290 3171 8268

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

Culver